The Australian government has completed the construction of a footwear factory in Lahore, Pakistan, whose workforce will be exclusively female. The fund was provided by the Market Development Facility (MDF). During the opening of the Footlib plant, the High Commissioner for the Pakistan Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, Margaret Adamson, congratulated Islamabad for deciding to assume the role of “pioneer in valorising women’s efforts and professionalism to improve productivity”, while according to Waseem Zakaria, president of Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, “devoting a production range to women workers helps their professionalism and provides a comfortable work environment”. MDF, through projects in various sectors (particularly tanning) has contributed to the employment of 2,800 women. Only 25% of Pakistani women are part of the work force. (
Women-only footwear manufacturer opens in Pakistan. The investment is Australian
